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- Open-sourcing our site management system work | groups.drupal.org [del.icio.us]
- Readers want a consistent voice when it comes to food, film criticism
- Magazine publishers advised to use coupons to boost single-copy sales
- New e-mails appear to confirm intimate relationship between ex-reporter, school official
- OC Register parent may have violated loan terms
Romenesko
Your daily fix of media industry news, commentary, and memos.
Updated: 13 min 26 sec ago
Readers want a consistent voice when it comes to food, film criticism
Content Bridges
Last weekend's Mercury News had nine movie reviews with seven different bylines, notes Ken Doctor. "Why not pick among the best reviewers -- the web makes that incredibly easy -- and give their readers the consistent, known-over-time voice and judgment they want to know? Instead, newspapers have taken yet another franchise -- film reviewing -- and turned it into a commodity. I've noticed a similar phenomenon with restaurant reviews."
Last weekend's Mercury News had nine movie reviews with seven different bylines, notes Ken Doctor. "Why not pick among the best reviewers -- the web makes that incredibly easy -- and give their readers the consistent, known-over-time voice and judgment they want to know? Instead, newspapers have taken yet another franchise -- film reviewing -- and turned it into a commodity. I've noticed a similar phenomenon with restaurant reviews."
Categories: Media blogs
Magazine publishers advised to use coupons to boost single-copy sales
Mediaweek | Portfolio.com
Hearst Magazines veep John Loughlin also suggested that publishers use in-store promotions to help sales. He said at the American Magazine Conference that if the current trends continue, magazines could be facing a time when instead of 1,000 titles, 200 or fewer are on display in stores. The situation, he said, "is unfortunately incredibly fragile." || Jeff Bercovici: Not as much happy-talk at this year's conference.
Hearst Magazines veep John Loughlin also suggested that publishers use in-store promotions to help sales. He said at the American Magazine Conference that if the current trends continue, magazines could be facing a time when instead of 1,000 titles, 200 or fewer are on display in stores. The situation, he said, "is unfortunately incredibly fragile." || Jeff Bercovici: Not as much happy-talk at this year's conference.
Categories: Media blogs
New e-mails appear to confirm intimate relationship between ex-reporter, school official
Miami Herald
Miami Herald In one purported 2007 e-mail message, new Miami-Dade Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho told former Miami Herald and Boston Globe reporter Tania deLuzuriaga that ''I love and miss you too," in response to a message from her. Several of the messages include correspondence between deLuzuriaga and Boston Globe editors as she was applying for a job at that paper -- e-mails deLuzuriaga then forwarded to Carvalho. One included details of her relocation expenses to Boston, and another discussed Globe salaries.
Miami Herald In one purported 2007 e-mail message, new Miami-Dade Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho told former Miami Herald and Boston Globe reporter Tania deLuzuriaga that ''I love and miss you too," in response to a message from her. Several of the messages include correspondence between deLuzuriaga and Boston Globe editors as she was applying for a job at that paper -- e-mails deLuzuriaga then forwarded to Carvalho. One included details of her relocation expenses to Boston, and another discussed Globe salaries.
Categories: Media blogs
OC Register parent may have violated loan terms
Bloomberg News | Orange County Register
Freedom Communications says it drew down the balance of its revolving credit "several weeks ago" because of uncertainty in the financial markets. A spokeswoman declines to say how much the company drew on its credit line or give details of the covenant violations. || Related story and Freedom's release.
Freedom Communications says it drew down the balance of its revolving credit "several weeks ago" because of uncertainty in the financial markets. A spokeswoman declines to say how much the company drew on its credit line or give details of the covenant violations. || Related story and Freedom's release.
Categories: Media blogs
Palin's attacks on the media have begun to spill into ugliness
Washington Post
Reporters covering Sarah Palin in Clearwater were greeted with taunts by a crowd of about 3,000, reports Dana Milbank. When Palin blamed Katie Couric's questions for her "less-than-successful interview with kinda mainstream media," her supporters turned on reporters in the press area, waving thunder sticks, shouting abuse and hurling obscenities. Milbank says one supporter shouted a racial epithet at an African American sound man for a network and told him, "Sit down, boy." || Politico.com: Couric mocks Palin's reading list.
Reporters covering Sarah Palin in Clearwater were greeted with taunts by a crowd of about 3,000, reports Dana Milbank. When Palin blamed Katie Couric's questions for her "less-than-successful interview with kinda mainstream media," her supporters turned on reporters in the press area, waving thunder sticks, shouting abuse and hurling obscenities. Milbank says one supporter shouted a racial epithet at an African American sound man for a network and told him, "Sit down, boy." || Politico.com: Couric mocks Palin's reading list.
Categories: Media blogs
WP's Robinson: Press shouldn't let candidates duck real issues
Washington Post
The news media should think hard about how much prominence it gives to candidates' smears and counter-smears, says Eugene Robinson. "And we should be relentless in demanding that the candidates talk about the economy and the wars and America's place in the world. If they won't sit down to be interviewed, we can shout our questions at them. If they filibuster, we can cut them off. If they give evasive answers, we can ask follow-up questions until we run out of breath."
> Richard Cohen: MSM flunks for giving Palin a passing grade
The news media should think hard about how much prominence it gives to candidates' smears and counter-smears, says Eugene Robinson. "And we should be relentless in demanding that the candidates talk about the economy and the wars and America's place in the world. If they won't sit down to be interviewed, we can shout our questions at them. If they filibuster, we can cut them off. If they give evasive answers, we can ask follow-up questions until we run out of breath."
> Richard Cohen: MSM flunks for giving Palin a passing grade
Categories: Media blogs
Report: LAT to cut as many as 75 editorial positions
LAObserved.com
Kevin Roderick writes: "Some staffers were approached last week about volunteering, 'enticed' with the threat that this will be the absolute final time that editorial employees will receive two weeks severance pay for each year of service when they leave."
Kevin Roderick writes: "Some staffers were approached last week about volunteering, 'enticed' with the threat that this will be the absolute final time that editorial employees will receive two weeks severance pay for each year of service when they leave."
Categories: Media blogs
East Valley Tribune cuts staff by 40%, becomes a four days a week freebie
East Valley Tribune
The Mesa, AZ-based Tribune will withdraw from the Scottsdale and Tempe markets beginning in January when it goes to a four-days a week schedule and cuts 142 jobs. It will move to free distribution in other cities it will continue to serve. || More from Tim McGuire.
The Mesa, AZ-based Tribune will withdraw from the Scottsdale and Tempe markets beginning in January when it goes to a four-days a week schedule and cuts 142 jobs. It will move to free distribution in other cities it will continue to serve. || More from Tim McGuire.
Categories: Media blogs
Foley resigns as Wisconsin State Journal editor
Wisconsin State Journal
"Most people back off in the middle of a fight and we journalists don't do that," says Ellen Foley, 56. But, "I have watched my husband almost die twice in the last year, and that experience has led me to the conclusion that I need to start a new chapter in my life." She left the Philadelphia Daily News in 2004 to take the Wisconsin job.
> In February, Foley's husband entered what she calls Cancerland
"Most people back off in the middle of a fight and we journalists don't do that," says Ellen Foley, 56. But, "I have watched my husband almost die twice in the last year, and that experience has led me to the conclusion that I need to start a new chapter in my life." She left the Philadelphia Daily News in 2004 to take the Wisconsin job.
> In February, Foley's husband entered what she calls Cancerland
Categories: Media blogs
Parker says her critics think she's jealous of Palin
CNN.com | washingtonpost.com
Kathleen Parker has heard from about 11,000 readers since writing her column critical of Sarah Palin. "I think most of the comments were more along the lines of -- that I was jealous, that clearly I couldn't stand for a pretty woman like Sarah Palin to be rising to the vice presidency, that probably I should be," she tells Howard Kurtz. "And that actually hadn't entered my mind, but..." || ALSO: Kurtz's chat transcript.
Kathleen Parker has heard from about 11,000 readers since writing her column critical of Sarah Palin. "I think most of the comments were more along the lines of -- that I was jealous, that clearly I couldn't stand for a pretty woman like Sarah Palin to be rising to the vice presidency, that probably I should be," she tells Howard Kurtz. "And that actually hadn't entered my mind, but..." || ALSO: Kurtz's chat transcript.
Categories: Media blogs
Additional items for October 6, 2008
> Why it's important that there be an alternative media
> Citizen journalist could face prison for false Jobs story
> Bob Edwards: Murrow would be a podcaster and blogger
> WP summer internship application deadline is approaching
> Arbitron's new ratings tool could kill black-owned radio
> "Billion-Dollar Lessons" author has some media observations
> WJLA, Politico have both benefited from their partnership
> NBC News was the first to started using WH as a backdrop
> Send link suggestions, letters, etc. to jromenesko@poynter.org
> Sign up to receive Romenesko by e-mail at noon ET
> Visit Romenesko's Obscure Reading Room and Starbucks Gossip
> Citizen journalist could face prison for false Jobs story
> Bob Edwards: Murrow would be a podcaster and blogger
> WP summer internship application deadline is approaching
> Arbitron's new ratings tool could kill black-owned radio
> "Billion-Dollar Lessons" author has some media observations
> WJLA, Politico have both benefited from their partnership
> NBC News was the first to started using WH as a backdrop
> Send link suggestions, letters, etc. to jromenesko@poynter.org
> Sign up to receive Romenesko by e-mail at noon ET
> Visit Romenesko's Obscure Reading Room and Starbucks Gossip
Categories: Media blogs
Reaction to Plain Dealer's visual op-ed "was stunning in its ferocity"
Cleveland Plain Dealer
Ombud Ted Diadiun calls this op-ed "a thoughtful, fascinating piece of work by one of the most thoughtful, fascinating people who work here" at the Plain Dealer. He adds, though that "people called it deplorable, degrading, offensive, disgusting. Some canceled subscriptions and others threatened cancellation unless the paper apologized." || More editor/ombud columns:
> NYT has been tougher on Obama than on McCain
> Miami Herald's news coverage has been fair to Palin
> Howell: GOP and Dem WP readers are venting daily
> What Indy Star editor told his staff before the veep debate
> Baton Rouge Advocate wins praise for hurricane coverage
> Brancaccio: I'm our Designated Wacky Question guy
> News & Observer will continue to run "Mallard Fillmore"
Ombud Ted Diadiun calls this op-ed "a thoughtful, fascinating piece of work by one of the most thoughtful, fascinating people who work here" at the Plain Dealer. He adds, though that "people called it deplorable, degrading, offensive, disgusting. Some canceled subscriptions and others threatened cancellation unless the paper apologized." || More editor/ombud columns:
> NYT has been tougher on Obama than on McCain
> Miami Herald's news coverage has been fair to Palin
> Howell: GOP and Dem WP readers are venting daily
> What Indy Star editor told his staff before the veep debate
> Baton Rouge Advocate wins praise for hurricane coverage
> Brancaccio: I'm our Designated Wacky Question guy
> News & Observer will continue to run "Mallard Fillmore"
Categories: Media blogs
"Our readers have to be able to see themselves inside our newspaper"
Columbia Journalism Review
Carla Savalli, who resigned last week as Spokane Spokesman-Review assistant managing editor, says what journalists want to cover may not be what readers want to read. "We tend to pick lofty topics and put all the things on A1 that appeal to us as journalists and wonks. If it's not politics or deep analysis, then we don't think it's worth it. But I think there's great value in putting a great read on the front. A real surprise. We're not dumbing down the content, but it's a surprise and will give people something to talk about."
Carla Savalli, who resigned last week as Spokane Spokesman-Review assistant managing editor, says what journalists want to cover may not be what readers want to read. "We tend to pick lofty topics and put all the things on A1 that appeal to us as journalists and wonks. If it's not politics or deep analysis, then we don't think it's worth it. But I think there's great value in putting a great read on the front. A real surprise. We're not dumbing down the content, but it's a surprise and will give people something to talk about."
Categories: Media blogs
Chicago Tribune business writer tells Abrams why ad sections need to be clearly labeled
Romenesko Misc.
David Greising (left) writes to Tribune innovation officer Lee Abrams after reading his memo on ad sections: "The labeling of 'Special Advertising Section' should not be looked at as something that devalues the advertising. We should view it as the opposite. The labeling protects the value of the advertising, because it protects the editorial foundation on which the advertising is built."
> Mutter's pals in Chicago complain about the retooled Tribune || More criticism
David Greising (left) writes to Tribune innovation officer Lee Abrams after reading his memo on ad sections: "The labeling of 'Special Advertising Section' should not be looked at as something that devalues the advertising. We should view it as the opposite. The labeling protects the value of the advertising, because it protects the editorial foundation on which the advertising is built."
> Mutter's pals in Chicago complain about the retooled Tribune || More criticism
Categories: Media blogs
Conservative Newsmax expects $25M in revenues this year
Palm Beach Post
"Newsmax is the Fox News of online," says the website's founder, Chris Ruddy. (His partner is Richard Mellon Scaife.) "We are the 800-pound gorilla that tells the other side of the story. Our demographic is very high-end, affluent, well-educated ... rich Republicans," he says.
"Newsmax is the Fox News of online," says the website's founder, Chris Ruddy. (His partner is Richard Mellon Scaife.) "We are the 800-pound gorilla that tells the other side of the story. Our demographic is very high-end, affluent, well-educated ... rich Republicans," he says.
Categories: Media blogs
The difference between "The Daily Show" and "The Colbert Report"
Huffington Post
"Jon [Stewart] deconstructs the news, I falsely construct the news," explained Stephen Colbert at the New Yorker Festival. He added that he cares about his guests' feelings, but not what they think of him. ("There's a difference.") He hopes he doesn't offend them -- "because usually these are very nice people, except for Bill Kristol."
"Jon [Stewart] deconstructs the news, I falsely construct the news," explained Stephen Colbert at the New Yorker Festival. He added that he cares about his guests' feelings, but not what they think of him. ("There's a difference.") He hopes he doesn't offend them -- "because usually these are very nice people, except for Bill Kristol."
Categories: Media blogs
Dumenco announces the winners of his American Magazine Vanguard Awards
Advertising Age
They are Golf Digest, Vice, Tokion, Essence and Make. Simon Dumenco writes: "The way I think of an AMVA: It's a 'thank you' to magazine-industry leaders who are passionate enough about their editorial mission to think beyond print." || Earlier: Dumenco comes up with a National Magazine Awards alternative.
They are Golf Digest, Vice, Tokion, Essence and Make. Simon Dumenco writes: "The way I think of an AMVA: It's a 'thank you' to magazine-industry leaders who are passionate enough about their editorial mission to think beyond print." || Earlier: Dumenco comes up with a National Magazine Awards alternative.
Categories: Media blogs
The Economist is Ad Age's "Magazine of the Year"
Advertising Age
The Econonist's ad pages are up 7.2% this year, while the other newsweeklies are down. Also, notes Nat Ives, "the Economist's editorial approach has remained consistent while others try to reimagine themselves. As many media outlets have played up their writers and pundits as personal brands, sometimes putting their names in huge fonts and heavy type, The Economist has continued to eschew bylines." || Ad Age's Editor of the Year: Is National Geographic's Chris Johns. || Idea of the Year (reader-generated content) and more.
The Econonist's ad pages are up 7.2% this year, while the other newsweeklies are down. Also, notes Nat Ives, "the Economist's editorial approach has remained consistent while others try to reimagine themselves. As many media outlets have played up their writers and pundits as personal brands, sometimes putting their names in huge fonts and heavy type, The Economist has continued to eschew bylines." || Ad Age's Editor of the Year: Is National Geographic's Chris Johns. || Idea of the Year (reader-generated content) and more.
Categories: Media blogs
Boston Herald presses print their final copies
Boston Herald
Two outside firms will now print the Herald. One of the 130 employees let go because of the outsourcing says: "Long live the Herald, and may Boston always remain a two-paper town. I just hope the rest of us are lucky enough to once again find the kind of jobs we can devote ourselves to, jobs that will give us that same sense of pride."
Two outside firms will now print the Herald. One of the 130 employees let go because of the outsourcing says: "Long live the Herald, and may Boston always remain a two-paper town. I just hope the rest of us are lucky enough to once again find the kind of jobs we can devote ourselves to, jobs that will give us that same sense of pride."
Categories: Media blogs
Why didn't business journalists see the Wall Street meltdown coming?
Washington Post
"We all failed," says CNBC's Charles Gasparino. "What we didn't understand was that this was building up. We all bear responsibility to a certain extent." Washington Post executive editor Marcus Brauchli tells Howard Kurtz: "I regret that when I was at the [Wall Street] Journal, we didn't keep the focus on some of these questions, including the possible moral hazard posed by the structure of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. These are really difficult issues to convey to a popular audience."
"We all failed," says CNBC's Charles Gasparino. "What we didn't understand was that this was building up. We all bear responsibility to a certain extent." Washington Post executive editor Marcus Brauchli tells Howard Kurtz: "I regret that when I was at the [Wall Street] Journal, we didn't keep the focus on some of these questions, including the possible moral hazard posed by the structure of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. These are really difficult issues to convey to a popular audience."
Categories: Media blogs
Copyright 2008 Steve Yelvington
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